Ban Subscription Traps

I am committed to protecting consumers, especially in the digital marketplace where subscription models have become ubiquitous. We need to ensure that companies offer a transparent, user-friendly process for subscription cancellation, respecting consumer autonomy and choice. Consumer rights don’t end after clicking the “subscribe” button. It’s unjust for companies to profit from deliberately convoluted cancellation processes, trapping consumers in unwanted subscriptions. I want to ensure that digital and contractual services are fair, transparent, and consumer-friendly. If you signed up online or through an app, you should be able to unsubscribe the same way. Simple as that.

Marijuana Legalization

I support the federal legalization of marijuana, recognizing its importance in reforming our criminal justice system, stimulating economic growth, and addressing past injustices. However, I also believe in the rights of states to make individual determinations on this issue, allowing them to act in the best interest of their residents and to reflect local values and concerns.

While advocating for federal legalization, I acknowledge the legitimate health concerns associated with the consumption of any drug, including marijuana. It is crucial to approach its legalization with a focus on education, regulation, and responsible use, ensuring that individuals are informed of the risks and safe consumption practices.

Comparatively, it’s important to recognize that marijuana has been shown to be exponentially less harmful and dangerous than alcohol, a substance that is legally consumed and regulated across the country. The criminalization of marijuana disproportionately affects communities of color and has contributed to the over-incarceration of countless individuals for non-violent drug offenses.

Expand EV Infrastructure Nationwide

I am committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as a cornerstone of our environmental and energy strategy. Recognizing the critical role of infrastructure in scaling up the EV market, I support a bold federal initiative to rapidly expand the U.S. EV charging infrastructure. This policy position is not just about bolstering the convenience of owning an EV; it’s about laying the groundwork for a sustainable transportation future.

To achieve this, I advocate for significant federal investment in a nationwide network of EV charging stations, aiming to eliminate range anxiety and make EV ownership accessible and practical for all Americans, regardless of where they live or travel. This includes urban centers, rural areas, and everything in between, ensuring that EV charging stations are as common and convenient as traditional gas stations.

Universal Net Metering

I believe in universal net metering to ensure that everyone can contribute to and benefit from clean energy, making the generation and sale of electricity accessible and equitable. Clean energy is not just an environmental imperative but a significant economic opportunity. I advocate for democratizing electricity generation and sales, promoting initiatives like community solar to empower individuals and businesses.

Corporate Welfare

My stance on corporate welfare is one of cautious scrutiny, not blanket opposition. I recognize the potential necessity of government intervention in critical situations to preserve economic stability and safeguard jobs. However, I firmly believe that the current system’s imbalanced favor towards large corporations at the expense of small-to-midsize businesses is unjust and counterproductive to fostering a diverse and resilient economy.

The crux of my position lies in the principle of fairness and economic justice. While large corporations have their place within our economy, the disproportionate benefits they receive in the form of subsidies, tax breaks, and bailouts often come at the expense of smaller enterprises that are the backbone of our communities and the primary engines of innovation and job creation. This imbalance not only stifles competition but also consolidates wealth and power in the hands of a few, undermining the principles of a free and fair market.

I advocate for a reevaluation of our corporate welfare policies to ensure that any government assistance is judiciously allocated, with a clear preference for supporting small-to-midsize businesses and industries that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, innovation, and equitable job creation. Assistance to larger corporations should be considered only as a last resort, under circumstances where their failure poses a significant risk to the broader economy or sector and when such support includes stipulations to minimize job loss and collateral damage.

Moreover, accountability and transparency must be paramount in any corporate welfare arrangement. Companies that receive government assistance should be held to stringent standards of public benefit, including the protection of workers’ rights, environmental sustainability, and a commitment to reinvesting in the local economy.

Defending Consumer Privacy

In an era where consumer privacy is increasingly encroached upon, I am committed to reinforcing the rights of individuals to be free from unsolicited telemarketing calls and to not only protect consumer privacy but also hold violators accountable for their intrusive practices.

I recognize that the federal Do Not Call list represents an essential tool for safeguarding personal privacy. However, without robust enforcement mechanisms, its efficacy is diminished. I support introducing significant fines and the potential for criminal liability for repeat offenders, to deter these invasive practices and ensure that violators are met with appropriate consequences.

Every individual has the right to decide who has access to them and when. Strengthening the Do Not Call list’s enforcement is a critical step in upholding these principles and ensuring that consumers can trust in the system designed to protect them.

A National Renewal Portfolio Standard

I stand for the establishment of a national renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that ambitiously targets increasing our use of renewable energy sources. Central to this goal is a substantial solar carve-out, emphasizing the pivotal role of solar energy, particularly community solar, in democratizing the benefits of the clean energy economy. By enabling more Americans to produce, use, and sell solar energy, we not only combat climate change but also open up significant economic opportunities for individuals and communities nationwide. I am committed to ensuring that solar energy becomes a cornerstone of our energy policy, making clean energy accessible and profitable for all

Addressing Homelessness

My policy on homelessness is rooted in a comprehensive approach that prioritizes dignity, support, and sustainable solutions for all, with a special focus on our veterans (absolutely NO ONE who wore the uniform of this country should ever find themselves homeless). Central to this vision is the expansion of affordable housing—a critical step towards ensuring that everyone, particularly those who have served our country, has access to safe and stable living conditions. Recognizing that homelessness is often a symptom of broader issues, my policy also emphasizes the importance of robust federal aid programs aimed at providing financial stability for individuals and families during temporary crises, preventing homelessness before it occurs.

Further, leveraging the VA as a central coordinating agency, we aim to fast-track homeless veterans into permanent housing, supplemented by the HUD-VASH program’s resources. Beyond housing, I’m committed to making sure we are offering comprehensive support services, including mental health care, job training, and reintegration programs, to address the root causes of homelessness. This policy is about more than just providing shelter; it’s about creating pathways to self-sufficiency and improved quality of life for everyone in need.

By focusing on building more affordable housing, enhancing federal aid for those in temporary financial crises, and providing holistic support services, we can tackle homelessness from multiple angles. This isn’t just a policy—it’s a pledge to uphold the values of community, compassion, and respect, ensuring no one, especially our veterans, is left without the support they deserve and a place to call home.

Making our Tax Code Make Sense

My policy position on reforming the tax code is founded on the principles of fairness and equity. It’s essential that we overhaul our current tax system to ensure that it serves the entire population justly, rather than favoring the wealthy few. A critical step in this direction is the removal of salary caps on taxes. It’s indefensible that individuals earning beyond a certain threshold contribute a smaller percentage of their income than those earning less. This policy aims to level the playing field by ensuring that all income is taxed in a fair and proportional manner.

Furthermore, closing tax loopholes is paramount. The existing tax code is riddled with exemptions and loopholes that disproportionately benefit the highest earners and large corporations. By eliminating these loopholes, we can ensure that the tax burden is distributed more equitably, preventing the wealthiest from exploiting the system to reduce their tax obligations.

Finally, it is imperative that the highest earners in our society are paying their fair share in federal income tax. This means not only adjusting the tax brackets to more accurately reflect the wealth distribution in our country but also ensuring that capital gains are taxed at a rate that reflects their impact on the economy.

Empowering Consumers & Small Businesses

My commitment to strengthening our economy is rooted in two fundamental principles: robust consumer protections and the empowerment of small businesses. I envision a policy framework that dismantles excessive bureaucratic obstacles facing entrepreneurs, facilitating a smoother journey from innovative idea to successful enterprise. This approach is designed to ignite local innovation and bolster community-based businesses, ensuring a fertile ground for growth and competition in a fair market environment. Simultaneously, I advocate for stringent safeguards against predatory practices that exploit consumers, particularly in times of vulnerability.

My stance is clear: no individual should be subjected to unjust price hiking due to desperation or lack of alternatives.

Through targeted legislative action and regulatory reforms, I aim to cultivate an economic landscape where small businesses thrive on equal footing with larger corporations, and where consumer rights are unassailable, ensuring an equitable economy that serves the many, not just the privileged few at the top.